1. Prepare for a purity test

1.1 Samples, test methods and equipment to perform the test are identified.

1.2 Equipment and working spaces are cleaned and calibrated to enterprise standards.

1.3 A working sample is prepared using mixing and dividing processes according to enterprise guidelines.

1.4 Sample details are checked and correctly recorded on worksheets and sample packets according to enterprise requirements.

2. Assess working sample/s

2.1 The working sample is separated into its component parts using appropriate equipment.

2.2 Pure Seed is separated using visual characteristics, mechanical or pressure aids appropriate to the type of seed and enterprise guidelines.

2.3 Seeds are handled carefully so as not impair their capacity for germination.

2.4 Separated component parts and matter are weighed to the number of decimal places as required by enterprise guidelines.

2.5 Contaminant seeds are identified.

3. Process and interpret data

3.1 Weights of all components parts are added and compared with original weight of the working sample.

3.2 A retest is carried out if required.

3.3 Seeds of species that cannot be identified are referred to a supervisor.

3.4 The percentage weight of various component parts is calculated to one decimal place.

3.5 Percentages of all fractions are added together and rounded to 100% as required by enterprise guidelines.

3.6 Results of test are reported according to enterprise guidelines.

Required skills include:

Ability to:

prepare working samples

use mixing and dividing equipment

separate component parts of a working sample using visual, mechanical or pressure techniques

assess pure seed from damaged seed

identify pure seed, other seed species and inert materials

weigh and calculate percentages of component parts

carryout rounding procedure with calculations

record and communicate results in accordance with enterprise procedures

maintain security, integrity, traceability of samples, sub-samples, test data, results and documentation.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

the role of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and the ISTA Rules for Seed Testing

seed biology

seed identification

materials and apparatus used in seed purity tests

enterprise standard operating procedures (SOPs)

enterprise and/or legal traceability requirements

relevant health, safety and environment requirements.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

preparation of a working sample

separation of a working sample into component parts

reporting of percentages of component parts

rounding of calculations to enterprise requirements.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

Method of assessment

This Unit should be assessed together with core Units and other Units of Competency relevant to the function or work role.

Guidance information for assessment

To ensure consistency of performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.

The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Equipment for separating a working sample may include:

magnifiers; reflected light; sieves; blowers; and diaphanoscopes.

Seed may include:

bare seed; treated seed; and coated seed that has been prepared as required.

Inert matter may include:

seed units where no true seed is present; broken or damaged seed 50% or less of their original size; other matter as prescribed in the International Rules for Seed Testing.